SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Senior Airman
William Senecal, NCO in charge of technical data and training with the
380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal
flight here, was recently named the 2003 Airman of the Year for Charleston
Air Force Base, S.C.
Deployed here from the 437th Civil Engineer
Squadron, Airman Senecal said he was shocked to here the news.
"My commander from home called me late one
night and told me he had some good news," he said. "The whole
shop was on the phone to congratulate me."
What may have come as a surprise to him was no
surprise to his co-workers.
"His success is our success," said Master
Sgt. John Ford, flight chief for both the 380th and 437th EOD flights.
"Everything he does is with the team concept in mind, and together
the team wins."
The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing is no stranger to
Airman Senecal's sense of teamwork. When the wing recently built a new
munitions storage area the wing was left with the task of moving all
munitions.
"There are no munitions troops here and no
other experts on the storage of weapons and explosives," said
Sergeant Ford. "Even though it was not his job he stepped up to the
plate and volunteered much of his off-duty time to ensure the move was
done safely and correctly."
Shortly after, the Department of Defense Explosives
Safety Inspection team came for a visit. The wing received an outstanding
rating.
Col. Patrick Sheets, 380th AEW commander, was so
impressed he brought Airman Senecal to the wing stand-up briefing, and
presented him with a coin in front of all the commanders.
"He single-handedly saved our bacon," said
Colonel Sheets.
Airman Senecal says he cannot take credit for
everything.
"It was good leadership and guidance that got
me here," he said. "Without the people who work around me
everyday I would not be a success."